Favourite Hammer Horror? As in singular? Well, I can narrow it down to four, and even that is a challenge
(mild spoilers)
Brides of Dracula (1960). Yvonne Monlaur plays Marianne Danielle, a would-be teacher who is far from the sharpest knife in the drawer. But she plays the part with such wide eyed innocence, she carries the first half of the film. And she is absolutely stunning. Then Peter Cushing arrives as Van Helsing and we're really in business. Miles Mallison as the 'other' doctor provides some delightful and much needed light relief, because let's make no mistake, the villain Baron Meinster is a horrifying piece of work. Not only does he turn on his own mother, he actually does what Christopher Lee's Count never managed to do - and puts the bite on Cushing's Van Helsing (the way in which Van Helsing handles this situation is guaranteed to make your toes curl).
This is a wonderful, classy horror from Hammer's early days. No-one really knows why Christopher Lee wasn't involved, but - and I mean this with blood red respect - he isn't missed here, because David Peel is just so good as Meinster, you don't need anyone else (apparently, Peel was a little too short for requirements and spent some time spitting out vile vampiric threats while standing on a box, or wearing lifts in his shoes). Peter Cushing actually turned down this film originally because he wasn't too keen on the script, but with a few amendments (namely the nature of the finale) he was tempted back. And it's a good thing too, because it would have been a lesser production without him.
This is a wonderful, beautifully made film, and even writing about it now makes me want to watch it again.
'Transylvania, land of dark forests, dread mountains and black unfathomable lakes. Still the home of magic and devilry as the nineteenth century draws to its close. Count Dracula, monarch of all vampires, is dead. But his disciples live on to spread the cult and corrupt the world ...'
Vampire Circus (1972)
Upping the sex and especially the gore of their output in the face of increasing public indifference, Hammer entrusted director Robert Young to direct this, influenced by European horrors that were becoming popular at the time (or so it seems to me). Possibly the lack of a Cushing or a Lee consigned this to obscurity on its release - the early 70s saw huge amounts of horror being unleashed and unfairly, this meant some real gems were left behind. Plus Lalla Ward is in it. So is Adrienne Corri and Laurence Payne later to be reunited in The Leisure Hive.
Stricter than ever with the schedules, Hammer insisted that Young complete the film, even though the directer requested more time to film certain scenes. This leads to a disjointed feel, which I think enhances its dream-like qualities. Certain things aren't explained as well as they might be, leaving the audience to draw their own conclusions.
The circus setting is superbly created, with all kinds of sensual mischief going on behind the scenes of the tatty charade that has descended on the village. The vampires seem to have a penchant for children too, which is additionally sinister. The film is an absolute masterpiece in my view, with its perceived shortcomings actually making it more effective.
The Satanic Rites of Dracula (1973).
It's unfortunate that an actor of Christopher Lee's standing was so vocal in his dislike of the Hammer Dracula films, which didn't help them, especially when they were struggling: this only got made at all because of the perceived success of the previous bringing-Dracula-up-to-date venture. The commercial and critical failure of that film came too late to stop Rites going ahead, and I'm very glad it did, because it is excellent, and the ideal way of making the vampire relevant in modern times. An unseen, Howard Hughes-like tycoon who secretly heads a secret cult of government officials isn't so much a spoiler because its on all the blurb, but is the perfect way of having Dracula exist today.
This was one of the first horrors I saw, which may partly explain why I love it so much. Dracula has an Omen-like hold over certain elements of society, and his few scenes are hugely effective. Also, the (final) ending involving only Cushing and Lee, has a real low-key poignancy about it.
Fankenstein and the Monster from Hell (1974)
While The Satanic Rites of Dracula was made in the hope of helping to breathe life into a franchise, this film was made by all as a last throw of the dice. Some of Hammer's veterans were gathered together for this, including director Terry Fisher, who had helmed the company's early successes, for his final assignment. The worst thing about this might be the title, which sounds like some shoddy 50's b-movie. Low budget this might be, but it is absolutely brilliant - brilliantly acted, written, directed and lit. I highlight the lighting because the colours are used to great effect here, elevating the few available sets into a convincing sprawling asylum. A wonderful cast including Cushing, John Stratton, Shane Bryant, Madeline Smith, Dave Prowse and Patrick Troughton really do convince in the roles, and Frankenstein's part in the proceedings is genius.
Bloody yes, but holding back on the sex that had become predominant in Hammer films by this time, this is gruesome and haunting, horrifying and tragic. It might even be my favourite Hammer film of them all.
Now, that was a longer post than I thought it was going to be. It's just as well this thread isn't called Top Ten Favourite Hammer Horrors!
(mild spoilers)
